This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
Spain took a significant step towards qualifying for Euro 2020 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Romania in Bucharest on September 5, 2019. The victory maintained their 100 percent record and a five-point lead at the top of Group F.
Spain's Sergio Ramos opened the scoring with a first-half penalty, and Paco Alcacer sealed the win with a beautiful team goal in the second half. However, Romania's Florin Andone pulled one back just before the hour mark, and the hosts continued to push for an equalizer.
Spain's goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made two crucial saves in stoppage time to deny Romania a draw, with the rebound then blazed over the bar. The win marked Spain's fifth victory from five matches, with Sweden and Norway trailing behind in the group.
Earlier, Italy maintained their perfect start with a 3-1 win over Armenia in Yerevan. Andrea Belotti scored a brace, and Lorenzo Pellegrini netted his first international goal to seal the win. Italy's coach Roberto Mancini praised his team's patience and attacking spirit, despite being reduced to 10 men after Armenia's Aleksandre Karapetyan was sent off in the first half.
Italy's victory strengthened their grip on Group J, with a three-point lead over second-placed Finland and a seven-point advantage over third-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland maintained their lead in Group D with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, while Poland continued their unbeaten run in Group G with a 1-1 draw against Israel.
